News

Sedgwick County will soon send out an online survey to get feedback from residents about public services and priorities, officials said Thursday. More than 100,000 randomly chosen residents will receive a link to the survey via mail, text, or email. It’s hosted by Qualtrics and will also be available on the county's website and social media later in November. The survey takes 10-15 minutes to complete and is intended for adult residents 18 years of age or older. Responses are confidential. Sedgwick County leaders are seeking input on service delivery and community priorities. Read more: KSN-TV

Across the state, Kansans voted on special ballot measures like school bonds and tax issues. Stanton County voters rejected a mill levy increase that would have helped fund its hospital. Stanton County Hospital is a medical hub for more than half a dozen other counties, including across the state line into Colorado. CEO Camille Davidson called the outcome "disappointing." She added that they aren't sure how to compete with rising costs and inflation without increased revenue. Read more: KSN-TV

The McPherson Police Department welcomed its newest mini officer to the force on Wednesday. Rhys recently finished treatment after being diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2023. The department swore her in as an honorary officer for her optimism and strength. Read more: KSN-TV

School districts across the state are planning their next steps after Tuesday's bond issue votes. Some districts, like Goodland, Ark City, Mulvane, and Oakley, are moving forward with improvement plans after their bonds passed, while Wellington, Rock Hills, Hutchinson, Russell, Oberlin, and St. John-Hudson are trying to figure out how to address their ongoing issues after their ballot measures were defeated. Read more: KSN-TV

Coldwater Mayor Jose "Joe" Ceballos, who was reelected on Tuesday, was charged by Kansas Attorney General Kris Kobach the next day. In a news conference Wednesday, Kobach said Ceballos was facing criminal charges for three counts of voting without being qualified and three counts of election perjury. Both are non-person felonies. Read more: KSN-TV

Do you live in or near Arkansas City and have leftover pumpkins? You could help feed some hungry goats. The City of Arkansas City said instead of throwing pumpkins out, they can make a tasty treat for some local goats. Read more: KSN-TV

Two northwestern Kansas counties reshaped their alcohol laws on Tuesday, with one ending the state’s tradition of dry counties. Wallace County was the last remaining dry county in the state. On Tuesday, voters made history by eliminating that rule and allowing restaurants to sell liquor by the drink. Thomas County residents voted to remove the requirement that allowed restaurants to serve alcohol only if at least 30% of their sales came from food. This change allows establishments in the county to operate like traditional bars. Read more: KSN-TV

The City of Leon is helping teen drivers learn a valuable lesson while avoiding costly fines for speeding. In the first moments of being pulled over on Oct. 1 for going 44 in a 30 mph speed zone, worries immediately rushed to high school junior Kendra Mast's mind. "I thought I was going to have to get a job," said Kendra. "Not doing school sports." "I told her she was going to have to go get a job and pay her own ticket," added Kendra's mom, Sheena Mast. Leon offered a unique alternative. She could write an essay on the importance [...]

Hundreds of students in Sedgwick County came to Wichita on Tuesday to learn more about careers in public safety and service. Representatives from the Red Cross, law enforcement, prosecutors and other professionals gave presentations to the students. Organizers said the event gives students a realistic look at jobs that will allow them to give back to their communities. Read more: KSN-TV

The CiCo Ballfields in Manhattan will be renamed following a 10-year naming rights agreement approved by city commissioners. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, Parks Director of Parks and Recreation Aaron Stewart talked to city commissioners about a naming rights resolution that was passed last December. According to Stewart, the Manhattan Parks and Recreation Foundation has formed a 10-year $500,000 partnership for the naming rights of the CiCo Ballfields. Read more: KSNT 27 News